PITTSBURGH JAZZ

From Blakey to Brown, Como to Costa, Eckstine to Eldridge, Galbraith to Garner, Harris to Hines, Horne to Hyman, Jamal to Jefferson, Kelly to Klook; Mancini to Marmarosa, May to Mitchell, Negri to Nestico, Parlanto Ponder, Reed to Ruther, Strayhorn to Sullivan, Turk to Turrentine, Wade to Williams… the forthcoming publication Treasury of Pittsburgh Jazz Connections by Dr. Nelson Harrison and Dr. Ralph Proctor, Jr. will document the legacy of one of the world’s greatest jazz capitals.

Do you want to know who Dizzy Gillespie idolized? Did you ever wonder who inspired Kenny Clarke and Art Blakey? Who was the pianist that mentored Monk, Bud Powell, Tad Dameron, Elmo Hope, Sarah Vaughan and Mel Torme? Who was Art Tatum’s idol and Nat Cole’s mentor? What musical quartet pioneered the concept adopted later by the Modern Jazz Quartet? Were you ever curious to know who taught saxophone to Stanley Turrentine or who taught piano to Ahmad Jamal? What community music school trained Robert McFerrin, Sr. for his history-making debut with the Metropolitan Opera? What virtually unknown pianist was a significant influence on young John Coltrane, Shirley Scott, McCoy Tyner, Bobby Timmons and Ray Bryant when he moved to Philadelphia from Pittsburgh in the 1940s? Would you be surprised to know that Erroll Garner attended classes at the Julliard School of Music in New York and was at the top of his class in writing and arranging proficiency?

Some answers can be gleaned from the postings on the Pittsburgh Jazz Network.

For almost 100 years the Pittsburgh region has been a metacenter of jazz originality that is second to no other in the history of jazz. One of the best kept secrets in jazz folklore, the Pittsburgh Jazz Legacy has heretofore remained mythical. We have dubbed it “the greatest story never told” since it has not been represented in writing before now in such a way as to be accessible to anyone seeking to know more about it. When it was happening, little did we know how priceless the memories would become when the times were gone.

Today jazz is still king in Pittsburgh, with events, performances and activities happening all the time. The Pittsburgh Jazz Network is dedicated to celebrating and showcasing the places, artists and fans that carry on the legacy of Pittsburgh's jazz heritage.

I´d really appreciate it if you could take the time to look at my work and leave your impressions here or in the guestbook on my homepage -http://www.miartemartagracielabressi.webs.com/- where there are more samples of my digital art works, engravings and sculptures. The web site´s in Spanish but, if you want to read the texts in English, you can access my Livejournal:

Yesterday morning, March 2, 2012, my dear Mother and best friend, Marie Lewis Watts passed away. The world is a little colder today, but I am grateful for the time I had. She will always inspire me to be a better person. Rest in Peace, and thank you for everything Mom.

I would love to feature "you" as my guest on my show..If I am not your friend..please add me...also please call me @ the offc at 757 538 3540...757 971 3733 for details...click on the banner below to be a guest...JB

Hi Jeff....I had the honor of meeting you about 4 or 5 years ago at the Manchester Craftsmen's Guild. I was one of two education coordinators for the Mellon Jazz Festival Student Spectacular. I was the city rep and my colleague, Sal Aloe, was the suburban rep. What I remember most about you was your ability to both motivate and inspire the youth involved in the festival. Yes, you blew all of us away with your talent but I was in awe of your teaching chops. My student, Claude Flowers was completely inspired by you and brought what he learned back to Schenley High School. And as Schenley's Music Director at that time, I could not have asked for a better musical gift from you. Thank you and congratulations on your continued musical successes.

Hi Jeff,
I saw you at Cachaca last January. That was the show that started real late. I'm glad I stayed, it was a wonderful show! Anyway, just wanted to send my best wishes for continued success!
Linda Jones

Hi Jeff,
I wondered how long it would be before you joined this site. It's great that you joined. We all are really happy for all your success. You certainly deserve it. I've always been a fan!
Love ya,
Michele Bensen